Triton School Board to Open Construction Bids at Next Meeting

Last week, Triton School Corporation officials held a pre-bid meeting over the school’s construction projects that are being tackled this year.

Before her retirement, Donna Burroughs said the preliminary stages of the project were complete and the construction phase would start soon. She also mentioned that the proposed renovations are estimated to cost over $2 million.

Superintendent Jeremy Riffle talked about the additions and repairs that will be made at both school buildings, “We’re doing an HVAC system at the elementary school and at the high school removing the roof and putting a new roof on and then we’re building an auxiliary gym.” Continue reading

Bourbon Town Council Receives Vacant and Unsafe Building Update

At last week’s Bourbon Town Council meeting, the council members heard from Zoning and Building Superintendent Bill Keyser about a few structures in town that fall under the vacant and unsafe building ordinance.

Clerk-Treasurer Kimberly Berger explained that there were some limitations before anything could be done, such as notifying the owners and giving them a certain amount of time to respond. Continue reading

National Weather Service Issues Winter Weather Advisory from 10 p.m. Tonight until 7 p.m. Monday

Marshall County EMA announced that a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for portions of northern Indiana beginning at 10 p.m. tonight until 7 p.m. on Monday. Conditions will impact the counties of Marshall, Starke and Pulaski.

Approximately 2 to 4 inches of snow are expected. Plan on slippery road conditions, especially during the Monday morning commute. They report that additional lake
effect accumulations are expected Monday night into early Tuesday, near Lake Michigan.

During an advisory, motorists are advised to practice caution while driving and be prepared for icy, snow-covered roads and reduced visibility at times.

Alleged Vehicle-Theft Suspect Runs Red Light While Fleeing, Results in a 4-Vehicle Crash in Warsaw

Two fatalities and critical injuries have been reported after a vehicle allegedly fled from police and ran a red light Saturday night.

According to an ISP press release, around 9:20 p.m. on January 13th, an Indiana State Trooper was responding to a theft that apparently occurred at the Meijer located at 1200 Lake City Highway in Warsaw. The report indicates that the trooper saw a car that matched the description of the suspect vehicle, which was described as a white 2003 Pontiac Grand Am.

The suspect vehicle reportedly fled eastbound on US 30 and drove through a red light at the intersection of US 30 and Parker Street, crashing into three other vehicles. Continue reading

Marshall County Humane Society Fundraiser in Culver on Monday

A fundraiser for the Marshall County Humane Society will be held at Café Max in Culver soon. The Canines, Cocktails and Pet Portraits event is running from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. ET on Monday, January 15.

For $25, people can have a headshot of their dog taken by pet photographer Tony Straw. Light refreshments and cocktails will be served as well. All proceeds will assist the humane society with operation costs and help them continuing providing for the community’s homeless animals. Continue reading

Bourbon Town Council Unable to Open Community Crossings Bids Due to Date Mix-up

Bourbon Town council members were expecting to open Community Crossings bids when they met Tuesday night. However, according to Clerk-Treasurer Kimberly Berger, the bids were not available due to a miscommunication.

She explained, “We did not receive any bids, [we] did find out that JPR sent out to the contractors a different date than what was advertised.”

JPR stands for Jones, Petrie and Rafinkski, the engineering and architecture firm working with the town. Clerk-Treasurer Berger said that they’re currently doing what they can to reconcile the mistake. Continue reading

Triton School Board Members Reorganize at First Meeting of the Year

The Triton School board members elected officers and addressed appointments when they met on Monday.

Superintendent Jeremy Riffle said that Amy Middaugh was elected to retain her position as president of the school board while Terri Barnhart was re-elected as school board security. Members voted to have Kevin Boyer remain as vice president of the school board. Continue reading

Tri-County Winter Weather Advisory in Effect Until This Afternoon

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the counties of Marshall, Pulaski and Starke. It will be in effect until 1 p.m. ET/ noon CT.

Officials are anticipating mixed precipitation of sleet, freezing rain and snow to transition to all snow this morning. Snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 3 inches and ice accumulations up to one tenth of an inch are expected.

Local spots such as  Plymouth, Bremen, Culver, Knox, North Judson, Bass Lake, Winamac, Francesville and Medaryville are listed as areas that will be impacted by these conditions. Continue reading

The Proposed Program Submitted to the Shady Rest Advisory Committee

Gregg Erickson and Ted Hayden

During Wednesday night’s Shady Rest Committee public hearing, some background information was provided about the proposed program “David’s Courage” that Ted Hayden and Gregg Erickson are seeking to implement at the county-owned building.

County Commissioner and Shady Rest Committee member Kurt Garner stated that initially, the committee received four proposals and they requested that Hayden and Erickson combine their plans since they had similar ideas.

Hayden presented the goal of the organization, “Our mission is to have a lasting change on the spiritual, emotional, physical and financial health of those who are struggling with addiction. We will provide a therapeutic community where a safe, consistent and caring environment creates an atmosphere that is conducive to change.” Continue reading

Bourbon Town Council Reorganizes

Bourbon town council members reorganized when they met Tuesday evening. Les McFarland was voted to the president’s position and Larry Wattenbarger was elected to serve as vice president of the council.

There was unanimous council approval to retain existing department heads. With that decision, Steve Stacy will still be water/wastewater superintendent, Roger Terry will serve as street superintendent and Bill Keyser will remain the zoning and building superintendent. Continue reading

Salaries for Triton School Board Members Remain the Same, Nepotism Forms Submitted

According to Triton Schools Superintendent Jeremy Riffle, the Triton School Board members’ salaries for 2018 will remain the same as last year.

Riffle said the salary is set at $1,500 per year, regardless of the position that an individual holds, meaning that a board president doesn’t make more money than any other board member. Continue reading

Shady Rest Committee to Take Public Input Under Advisement Before Making Any Recommendations to Commissioners

Shady Rest Home

Last night’s Shady Rest Committee public hearing was emotionally charged with various members of the community coming out to show support, ask questions and express concerns over Ted Hayden and Gregg Erickson’s proposal to utilize the county building for an addiction recovery facility.

Those speaking in favor of the “David’s Courage” program taking occupancy of the Shady Rest Home included County Health officials, recovered addicts and family members personally impacted by addiction, as well as people who wanted to see the historic structure utilized to help the community. Continue reading

Triton Students and Staff Make Adjustments to Deal with Flooded Gym Floor

Former Triton Elementary School Principal Jeremy Riffle attended his first school board meeting as superintendent on Monday. Riffle said one of the first matters he had to deal with as superintendent was an incident that flooded the Jr./Sr. High School Gym floor.

He explained, “A door was accidentally pushed open and the snow stopped the door, essentially kiddos leaving to go to a game and so a pipe burst which then flooded the gym floor.” Continue reading

Architect Discusses Grant Opportunity with Bourbon Town Council Members

Bourbon Town Council members received a notification about a potential infrastructure opportunity when they met earlier this week.

Clerk-Treasurer Kimberly Berger explained that the town owns some property on Center Street. She said Architect Brent Martin came before members to discuss the possibility of utilizing the area for some “low to moderate income” housing. Continue reading

Red Cross Blood Mobile will be at Culver Middle/High School Thursday + Additional January Opportunities

The Red Cross Blood Mobile will be stationed at Culver Middle/High School from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 11th.

If you’re unable to attend Thursday’s blood drive, or if you wish to make multiple donations in January, there are a few other local opportunities available this month.

The Red Cross has a blood drive scheduled at the Community Wellness Center of Winamac, formerly the Pulaski County YMCA, from 12:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. ET on Friday, January 12th. Continue reading

Marshall County Democratic Party to Host a VAN Training Session This Week

The Marshall County Democratic Party is hosting a Voter Access Network training session from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday at their party headquarters in Plymouth. Initially, they planned to hold two, but Wednesday’s session has been canceled.

According to party representatives, a Voter Access Network (VAN) captures local voter registration data among residents. It’s also utilized to generate the call and walk lists for candidates so the party can reach voters.They report that having a growing team of volunteers who know how to use and update the network is essential, especially during the voting season. Continue reading

Open Seats in Marshall County for 2018 Elections

Many Marshall County positions will be up for election this year including the Judge for Superior Court 1 as well as the County Prosecutor, Clerk, Auditor, Recorder, Assessor and Sheriff. Wednesday marks the first day that a declaration of candidacy may be filed.

According to Jaley Schinbeckler with the Marshall County Clerk’s Office, elections will also be held for all township trustees and board members and the county commissioner in District 1 as well as county councils in districts 1 through 4. Two seats are open on the Argos and Culver Town Councils and one seat is open for Bourbon Town Council. Continue reading

Start off 2018 by Strengthening Employee Skills with this Ancilla College Training Program

Last year, the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and Ancilla College worked in conjunction with local businesses to launch the Ancilla College Management and Leadership Training program. The program has continued into this year to continue developing the skills of our community’s team leaders.

After conducting interviews with local employers and finding that many of them were seeking more opportunities for management training, the program was created as a way to strengthen the existing workforce. Continue reading

Marshall County Humane Society is Making Sure Local Pets are Safe this Winter Season

Marshall County has recently been dealing with extremely windy and snowy weather conditions. Around this time of year, pet owners are reminded to bring pets indoors or provide adequate outside shelter in order to keep animals safe this winter season.

Marshall County Humane Society Executive Director Nancy Cox said she and members of her team spend every morning, responding to calls of animals left outdoors without adequate food, water or shelter.

She stated, “People just need to use their common sense. If you’re cold, they’re cold. Like right now, I would feel that being out in this weather without proper shelter is cruelty and neglect.” Continue reading

Marshall County Commissioners Take Care of Remaining Appointments During Tuesday Meeting

Marshall County Commissioners (L to R) Mike Delp, Kevin Overmyer, Kurt Garner

The Marshall County Commissioners addressed any remaining appointments when they met on Tuesday.

Randy Glingle and Dan Vories were appointed to the Drainage Board, Jan Fisher will serve on the Alcohol Beverage Control Board and Commissioner Kevin Overymyer was appointed to the Central Dispatch Committee as well as the Michiana Area Council of Governments or MACOG.

For the MACOG Regional Development Board, Joe Martin, Jr. was appointed as the private sector representative and Trend Weldy will serve as the Town of Bremen’s rep.

Commissioner Kurt Garner was appointed to the Unsafe Building Committee and the Shady Rest Committee. Continue reading